Does the Sequence Diverge Using Inequalities?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the convergence of the sequence \( a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+\ldots+\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}} \). Participants explore the use of inequalities to establish whether the sequence diverges, engaging in mathematical reasoning and clarification of terms.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the sequence diverges based on the inequalities \( \frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}} \leq a_{n} \leq \frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}} \) and the limits approaching infinity.
  • Another participant corrects the first by suggesting that \( n^2 \) should be replaced with \( n \) in the inequalities, prompting a discussion about the correct formulation of the bounds.
  • A participant questions the reasoning behind the inequalities, referencing the sum \( 1+2+\ldots+n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2} \) and the application of the inequalities to the sequence.
  • Further clarification is provided on the lower bound of the sequence, reinforcing the use of the sum and the inequalities to establish a relationship for \( a_{n} \).
  • A participant seeks confirmation on whether the established inequalities can be used to conclude the divergence of the sequence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formulation of the inequalities and the implications for the convergence of the sequence. There is no consensus on whether the sequence diverges, as the discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the inequalities and their application.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of the sequence as \( n \) approaches infinity are not fully explored, and the discussion relies on the interpretation of the inequalities without definitive conclusions.

evinda
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Hey again! (Blush)
I have to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.I thought that:$$\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}} \leq a_{n} \leq \frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}}$$ Because of the fact that:
$$\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}}=\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}}=\infty$$ I though that the sequence diverges.
Could you tell me if it is right?
 
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evinda said:
Hey again! (Blush)
I have to check if the sequence $a_{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+...+\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ converges.I thought that:$$\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}} \leq a_{n} \leq \frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}}$$ Because of the fact that:
$$\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}}=\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{n^{2}(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}}=\infty$$ I though that the sequence diverges.
Could you tell me if it is right?
Right idea, but each time that you have written $n^2$ it ought to be just $n$ (not squared).
 
Opalg said:
Right idea, but each time that you have written $n^2$ it ought to be just $n$ (not squared).

Why?? Istn't $1+2+...+n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$ and we take for the left inequality $n$ times $\frac1{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ and for the second $n$ times $\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$ ??Or am I wrong?? (Thinking)
 
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evinda said:
Why?? Isn't $1+2+...+n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$ and we take for the left inequality $n$ times $\frac1{\sqrt{n^2+n}}$ and for the second $n$ times $\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}$ ?? Or am I wrong?? (Thinking)
Take it more slowly: $$\begin{aligned}a_{n} &=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+ \ldots +\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}} \\ &\geqslant \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}+ \ldots +\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}} \\ &= \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}(1+2+\ldots +n) = \frac{n(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}}. \end{aligned}$$
 
Opalg said:
Take it more slowly: $$\begin{aligned}a_{n} &=\frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+1}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+2}}+ \ldots +\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}} \\ &\geqslant \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}+\frac{2}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}+ \ldots +\frac{n}{\sqrt{n^2+n}} \\ &= \frac{1}{\sqrt{n^2+n}}(1+2+\ldots +n) = \frac{n(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}}. \end{aligned}$$

Ok..I understand...So,can I use the relation:
$$\frac{n(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+n}} \leq a_{n} \leq \frac{n(n+1)}{2\sqrt{n^2+1}}$$ to conclude that the sequence diverges??
 

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